Previously Published

The Ministry of Prophets and Apostles Today

As a child growing up on Long Island, New York, Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles learned many lessons from his parents. He particularly recalls one experience when his father taught him about establishing the proper atmosphere for creativity.

“Whether you are 12 or 112—or anywhere in between,” President Thomas S. Monson counsels, “you can know for yourself that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. Read the Book of Mormon. Ponder its teachings. Ask Heavenly Father if it is true.”

Why do we sing as part of our worship? Why does music have such powerful ability to affect our moods? What types of music bring us closer to our Father in Heaven? The First Presidency answers many questions about music in a place you may have overlooked.

“It is easy to love the people of Africa,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles has said repeatedly. The faith and obedience of African Latter-day Saints, born of their love for the gospel, sets an example for all members of the Church, he said

Teaching the gospel is a sacred duty, prophets and apostles say, and though it is not always an easy task, when guided by the Spirit both the teacher and the student can achieve spiritual growth and understanding. Read what Elder Richard G. Scott and Elder Jeffrey R. Holland say about teaching according to the promptings of the Holy Ghost.

“A family needs a father to anchor it,” Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said. The role of fathers, as taught in “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” is to “preside over their families in love and righteousness” as equal partners with mothers.